KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
January 3, 2020
By Natalie Cook Clark
On New Year’s Day, several local officials had swearing-in ceremonies. Fort Bend County now has the first Katy-area elected official to the county, and after more than a century, an African American sheriff.
Sheriff Eric Fagan is the first African American to be Fort Bend County Sheriff in over 150 years.
Two law enforcement branches in Fort Bend County are now under new direction. On New Year’s Day, Chad Norvell was sworn into office as the new Fort Bend County Constable, Precinct 3. New Fort Bend County Sheriff Eric Fagan began his term on the January 1 but was sworn in Saturday.
Due to COVID-19 safety protocols, ceremonies were closed to the public and open by invite only. Sheriff Fagan’s ceremony was available via livestream for public view.
The First Katy-Area Fort Bend County Official Elected
“I’m proud to be the first Fort Bend County official to be elected from the Katy-area,” says Constable Chad Norvell.
The first order of business for Constable Norvell will be to rebuild and address a social media crisis. Outgoing Constable Wayne Thompson deleted the active Fort Bend County Constable’s Office, Precinct 3 Facebook page.
“Social media is important to any government agency and starting from scratch will take time,” says Constable Norvell.
The DA is looking into the case as the account is considered government property.
Residents can follow the new Facebook page to help stay informed.
“We’re also going to rework the look of the department,” says Constable Norvell. “The look of the officer uniforms and vehicles will be less tactical in appearance. We are going to emphasize courtesy and professionalism and make sure that the neighborhoods are getting what they are paying for.”
Fort Bend County Sheriff Eric Fagan was sworn into office yesterday at the Fort Bend County Church. The event was held privately and livestreamed for the public.
The First African American Sheriff in Fort Bend County in 150 years
Sheriff Fagan is the first African American to hold the office of Fort Bend County Sheriff in 150 years. In 1869, Walter Moses Burton was elected as the sheriff and tax collector in Fort Bend County. He was also the first African American elected sheriff in the United States.
“Stay safe, God bless and let’s get to work,” says Sheriff Eric Fagan.
Sheriff Fagan takes over the position from former Sheriff Troy Nehls who will now represent Fort Bend County in Washington, D.C. as a congressman. Nehls is being sworn in today, January 3.
Commissioner Andy Meyers and Constable Chad Norvell were sworn in this weekend by Justice of the Peace Kelly Crow.
Fort Bend County Commissioner Andy Meyers was sworn in on New Year’s Day in a combined ceremony with Constable Norvell. Meyers has held the position since 1996.
Commissioner Meyers will be voting “No” to proposed county spending this week.
“The county will be $7 million under water,” says Commissioner Meyers. “This is not the time to pay more of tax-payers’ money.”
Commissioner Meyers continues to be committed to protecting taxpayer money. He plans to focus and ensure that taxpayer money is spent as prudently and as efficiently as possible. He has consecutively lowered taxes for the past 20 years during his time in office. Follow him on Facebook for updates.